McDonald, Thompson & van der Schaaf go

Eddie Howe has sprung no surprises with his retained list with three out of contract players, Kevin McDonald, Steven Thompson and the elusive Dutchman Remco van der Schaaf all being released

None of them can come as a surprise. Thompson has started just three league games for Burnley since Wembley two years ago, McDonald hasn't featured, other than as a sub at Morecambe this season, with his last start ending with a Subway sandwich and a trip to the 110 Club.

As for van der Schaaf; I'm not so sure many Burnley fans would recognise him in the street if he walked past them. Billed as the key signing in 2008 and the midfielder who would make Chris McCann a better player, he played the first 59 minutes of the opening game at Sheffield Wednesday and hasn't been in the first team since, and has spent two years of his contracted time on loan at Brøndby.

The club have confirmed, finally, that Wade Elliott is still under contract but nothing has been said of Chris McCann, the other out of contract player. Chris is in talks with the club regarding a new deal although there is speculation that at least one other club is interested.